2015 Fantasy Football Outlook: Heath Miller

Here is another in our fantasy football series looking at the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Today we move on to tight end Heath Miller.

While there is a lot to like about all of the other Steelers playmakers in terms of fantasy value, when it comes to Miller that is not really the case.

When drafting a tight end, it’s pretty simple. There’s Rob Gronkowski and everyone else. If you’re not getting Gronk early, it makes very little sense to draft a tight end early on.

Miller can be had very late in drafts. His ADP is No. 145 right now, meaning he is going in the 12th round of 12-team leagues. Overall Miller is the 18th tight end off the board on average.

Should you be looking to take a stab on Miller this year?

Let’s take a look.

Pros– There really aren’t many cases I can make for rostering Miller this season. He’s going to be 33 years old and likely entering his final season in the league.

One positive he has is quarterback Ben Roethlisberger. Big Ben will look for Miller and in the Steelers explosive offense there will be some opportunity to make plays.

He’s caught 71, 58 and 66 passes the past three years so in PPR formats only Miller may be worth a late look.

Cons- While Miller has been a reliable pass catcher over the course of the past decade and has always been one of Roethlisberger’s favorite targets, he is being used much differently.

Miller has become a possession target now, often settling in soft spots in zones for short gains. He’s caught just over four passes per game for two years running. More importantly, Miller is no longer a red zone option for the Steelers.

Pittsburgh has thrown 61 touchdown passes the past two seasons and only four of those have gone to Miller.

With many tight ends going around the time Miller is, there’s just not enough upside with Miller to make him your top tight end.

Projections- 60 receptions, 650 yards, three touchdowns

Verdict- Again, if it isn’t Gronk for you then you can wait on drafting a tight end. There are so many tight ends with more upside available in later rounds that it doesn’t make much sense to make Miller your primary tight end.

I would take a chance on him as your second tight end in PPR formats. Miller would be a good bye week option and could still be a guy worth playing occasionally against favorable matchups.